Plumbing Express, Inc. is the network of pipes, fixtures, and appliances that supply water and remove waste in residential and commercial spaces. Plumbers install, repair, and maintain these systems to ensure safe and efficient operation.
When faced with a drain clog, many people reach for caustic chemical cleaners that can wear away at pipes. However, the easiest and most effective solution is usually just boiling water!
Drain clogs are one of the most common plumbing problems. They can be messy, inconvenient, and expensive to deal with. But with a little preventative maintenance, you can keep your home’s drains clear and running smoothly.
The first thing to remember is that drains and pipes are only meant for human waste and water. Anything else can cause a blockage or even damage your plumbing system. So be sure to avoid putting any kind of food scraps down your drains, especially in the garbage disposal. These foods can clog drains and create unpleasant smells.
Another important step is to regularly run hot water through all of your drains. This will clear away accumulated soap scum and grease and prevent buildup. It’s also a good idea to clean out your drain trap on a regular basis to make sure no hair or other debris is stuck inside of it.
You should also consider insulating your exposed pipes during winter. This will help to keep them warm and prevent any freezing and thawing that could damage your pipes and cause a clog. Finally, it’s always a good idea to use a sink stopper with a mesh strainer in your kitchen sink and bathtub and shower drains to catch any hair or other debris that might otherwise go down the drain. These can be purchased at most hardware and bath stores.
Lastly, be sure to use a quality, professional grade drain cleaner on a monthly basis. This will kill any bacteria that may be growing in your drain and help to keep it clean.
Clogged drains are a pain to deal with, but they can be prevented with a little bit of regular maintenance. By being mindful of what goes down your drains and using a quality professional-grade drain cleaner on a regular basis, you can keep your home’s plumbing in tip-top shape. However, if your drains are constantly becoming blocked or you notice other signs of trouble, it may be time to call in the pros for some backup. Having an experienced plumber on your side is the best way to diagnose the problem and find the right solution fast.
Unclog Clogged Drains
Drains handle everything that goes down the sink, tub, or toilet in your home, so it’s no surprise that they clog from time to time. Most clogs are caused by the build-up of hair, soap scum, grease, and food particles that stick to the walls of your pipe. These clogs can be prevented with regular drain cleaning and by teaching household members what should not go down the drains. Grease, fat, and oil should never be poured down the drains as they can solidify over time to form stubborn clogs. It’s best to dispose of these substances in the trash and wipe greasy or oily dishes with paper towels before washing them. Regularly flushing your drains with hot water can also help keep them flowing smoothly.
Another common cause of clogged drains is the accumulation of mineral deposits on the sides of your pipes. Over time, these can reduce the diameter of your pipes and restrict water flow. These mineral deposits are often caused by hard water that contains high levels of calcium and magnesium. Using a water softener can help prevent these deposits from building up in your home’s drain and sewer lines.
Besides reducing the risk of clogs, regular drain cleaning can extend the lifespan of your plumbing system. A plunger is an inexpensive, easy-to-use tool that can be used to clear most minor clogs. For more stubborn clogs, you can purchase a plumber’s snake. This device is more powerful than a plunger and has a longer reach that can dislodge even the most stubborn clogs.
If you notice your drains are slowing or smelling bad, there is a good chance that you have a clog. Observing the above tips can help you prevent most drain clogs from happening in your New Jersey home. However, if you’re constantly dealing with these problems, there could be a larger issue that needs to be addressed by a professional plumber.
If you have tried snaking or plunging your drain and it is still not working, it’s likely that you have a more severe problem with your drain line. In this case, a plumber should be hired to perform a mechanical clog removal (snaking). A plumber can also recommend a maintenance solution like Hercules R-D Root Destroyer that can prevent root intrusion in your external drain lines.
Clogged Drain Repair
When a drain is clogged, it can lead to serious problems in the plumbing system. Not only is water unable to flow freely, but the blockage can cause further damage to pipes and other fixtures. Taking steps to resolve the issue as soon as possible is key to minimizing these consequences.
Some clogs can be resolved using simple tools like a plunger or a snake. However, others are more severe and require specialized equipment to fix. In these cases, it’s essential to recognize the early warning signs of a clog and seek professional help before the problem worsens.
The most common causes of clogs are food waste, hair, and other foreign objects. For example, coffee grounds, eggshells, and other hard-to-dissolve foods can build up in pipes and create a major clog over time. In addition, pet hair and human hair can trap water in the pipes and lead to significant clogs.
Grease and oil can also cause problems in the plumbing system. These substances are liquid when they enter the drains, but they solidify over time and can lead to a blockage that is difficult to remove. For this reason, it’s important to dispose of grease and oil in a safe manner through the trash.
Another common cause of clogs is the buildup of soap residue and other chemicals in the pipes. These chemicals can stick to the lining of the pipe, causing it to become a thick and sticky substance that blocks the flow of water. In many cases, these clogs can be prevented by regularly cleaning and flushing drains with hot water.
To break up and dislodge these tough clogs, it’s best to use an electric power auger. To do so, first remove the drain strainer and look for a clean-out plug that you can remove with a wrench. This will allow you to bypass the trap and feed the cable directly into the drain opening. Start by feeding the cable down the drain, twisting and pulling it through the clog until you reach the point where the clog breaks up and is fully removed.
Clogged Drain Replacement
Clogged plumbing pipes can cause major problems throughout your home. It’s important to know how to identify and prevent them. Many clogged drains can be resolved with a little effort, but some may require the assistance of a professional plumber.
To avoid clogged drains, treat your drains with care and follow these tips:
Keep oil and grease away. Liquid fats wash away easily with hot water, but they solidify further down the drainpipe and adhere to other debris, creating a hard, impassable clog. To prevent this, drain all grease and oil into a can or jar that you can dispose of in the garbage.
Maintaining proper drain treatment is a great way to prevent future clogs, but sometimes even the best-laid plans fall short. When this happens, it’s important to have the right tools on hand and know when to call in a professional.
First, clear out any standing water. This is vital, since it breeds bacteria and can cause additional blockage. A simple, inexpensive plunger is a good choice for many drain clogs. Pump it up and down a few times to loosen and dislodge the obstruction. A rudimentary wire hanger can also work well. Bend one end into a hook and work it down the drain to catch and dislodge hair and other gunk. For more serious clogs, try a plumbing snake.
Alternatively, you can try pouring boiling water down the drain. This is a good option for toilets, but you should never use this method in kitchen sinks and bathtubs, as it could melt PVC pipes.
Be sure to read and follow all manufacturer’s instructions when using any chemical cleaner. Some of these can corrode older pipes and lead to more serious issues down the line. When all else fails, it may be time to call in a professional plumbing and drain cleaning company. Our experienced technicians are trained to find and remove even the most stubborn clogs without damaging your plumbing system or your piping. Contact us today to schedule a service.